Jurgen Klopp feels pundits who were critical of Bayern Munich early in Niko Kovac’s reign are now at risk of looking “silly” as the Bundesliga champions recover under their new coach. Bayern won their first seven games under Kovac before stumbling into a run of four matches without a victory, but they travel to Anfield on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in fine form.
Friday’s 3-2 win at Augsburg means Kovac’s side have taken 27 points from the last 30 available in the Bundesliga, with their deficit behind league leaders Borussia Dortmund cut to three points. And Klopp is more aware of Bayern’s threat than most, with the German having battled for titles with the Bavarian giants when he coached Dortmund between 2008 and 2015.
“I cannot hide from the fact that Bayern Munich are a team I know more about than most of the opposition we face in international competition,” Klopp wrote in Liverpool’s matchday programme.
“They were of course a regular opponent both in domestic competitions and the Champions League when I worked in Germany, and with it still being my home country I pay more attention to what happens in the Bundesliga than others, outside of the Premier League itself.”
“Because of this knowledge, aside from the usual analysis we do, I know how unbelievably powerful they are, as a team and as a club. Bayern know what it takes to win – it’s what they do.”
“This season people were far too quick, in my opinion, to draw conclusions on them early and some of those who fell into that trap now risk looking a little silly.”
“They’ve had some transition to manage, but it is clear they are now in the right mood and we must be ready for a side full of confidence and attacking intent.”